Insights

In a remarkable blend of Hollywood success and personal ambition, actor Powell is making headlines as he promotes his latest film, "Twisters," which has achieved an impressive $80 million opening weekend. Following his notable roles alongside Tom Cruise and Sydney Sweeney, Powell is not only focused on his burgeoning film career but is also committed to completing his education at the University of Texas at Austin. Having initially attended the university as a teenager, Powell left to pursue his dreams in the film industry. Over the years, he has taken various classes to accumulate the necessary credits for graduation. In a recent interview, he expressed his excitement about finally earning his degree, stating, "I kept telling my friends I was going to throw the grad party of the century." As he prepares to shoot Edgar Wright's remake of "The Running Man" in London, Powell is creatively fitting his classes into a demanding schedule. He acknowledged Wright's understanding and support, allowing him to balance his film commitments with academic responsibilities. "I'm not going to be sitting in class with other students on the regular," he noted, emphasizing his plan to attend proctored exams and participate in classes via Zoom. For Powell, graduating from UT Austin holds significant emotional value, as it connects him to his family's legacy. With both parents, a sister, and cousins as alumni, he recognizes the importance of this achievement, stating, "I think it's really important to my mom and it's more of an emotional thing for me."